Victory Conversions has appointed automotive veteran Mark Brickhill as its new managing director.

Brickhill succeeds founding MD Steve Shaw, who retires at Christmas, and will lead the company’s next phase of growth following the securing of its largest-ever order.

Owned by family business the Rix Group, Victory Conversions specialises in converting protected carrier vehicles, ambulances, incident command units and specialist fleet vehicles for the emergency services and private sector.

Brickhill brings more than 20 years of automotive experience to the vehicle conversions firm. Over the course of his career, he has led a number of successful company turnarounds and headed up big name company divisions, including Goodyear-Dunlop Tyres and as EMEA Regional CEO for global car-care products manufacturer Turtle Wax. Later, as CEO of the Klarius Group, he more than doubled turnover from £27.5m to more than £57m in four years, trebling operating profit.

Brickhill said: “Founding MD Steve Shaw has achieved a huge amount since establishing Victory Conversions and I’m looking forward to working with him, the wider team and our trusted suppliers to build on that success.”

He continued: “I look forward to building on the relationships we have established with the valued customers and trusted suppliers who have supported Victory’s impressive growth to date and would like to say thanks in advance for their continued support as we further grow the business.”

James Doyle, managing director of the Rix Group, said: “Mark has an excellent CV with many impressive highlights that demonstrate his ability to grow companies on a significant scale.

“We’re delighted he is joining the Rix Group to lead Victory Conversions, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

Steve Shaw will remain with Victory Conversions in a part-time role supporting the handover, before fully retiring at Christmas.

Shaw said: “Looking back over the last four years, it’s fair to say that it has been challenging at times, but I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved.

“As we look ahead, there are many real reasons to be positive. We are about to start work on the largest order in our history, and our police and fire work continues to go from strength to strength.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited to see the business continue to grow under Mark’s leadership.”